《TAIPEI TIMES》Taiwan extends statute of limitations for reporting child sexual assault

Deputy Legislative Speaker Johnny Chiang presides over a plenary session at the Legislative Yuan in Taipei yesterday. Photo: CNA

Staff writer, with CNA The legislature yesterday passed an amendment to the Criminal Code stipulating that the period between the date a sexual assault against a minor occurs and the victim’s 20th birthday will not count toward the statute of limitations for prosecution.

Under the previous law, the statute of limitations began on the date the offense was committed, which authorities said could prevent victims from obtaining justice if the limitation period expired before they were ready to come forward.

The amendment excludes the period between the time the offense was committed and the victim’s 20th birthday when calculating the statute of limitations, giving victims more time to pursue criminal charges.

Statutes of limitations in child sexual assault cases vary depending on the severity of the crime, but they can range from five years for less serious cases to 30 years for offenses carrying a maximum penalty of life imprisonment or death.

The Executive Yuan and Judicial Yuan proposed the amendment in January, saying child victims of sexual assault often delay reporting abuse because of trauma, unequal power relationships with offenders or a lack of awareness of their legal rights.

Lawmakers across party lines supported the revision, and the bill passed a third reading without objection.

新聞來源：TAIPEI TIMES